The Chinese Sailing Team has set itself the realistic goal of a medal finish at the 2007 Qingdao International Regatta, the last Olympic Test Event for the 2008 Olympic Sailing Competition.
"We will go all out to get into top three," Chinese fleet leader Yao Xinpei said at Saturday's press conference.
"We are definitely not targeting a gold medal," he downplayed.
"During our stay in Europe, we have participated in world-class events to learn from Western competitors. We have been training since we returned to Qingdao, by which we have got much improvement."
Enjoying home advantage, 18 competitors with an average age of 26 will participate in the 11 events of the 2008 Olympic Sailing Competition.
Laser Radial world champion Xu Lijia, Athens silver medalist Yin Jian and men's windsurfing gun Zhou Yuanguo are just three of the Chinese stars who will line up for this year's preview.
"According to the rules, we have only one competitor for each event," Yao said. "Competitors are chosen according to their integral scores from team tests, overseas race performance and their rankings.
"Only the best competitors have qualified for the 2007 regatta and next year team members may change.
"Contestants for 2008 will be chosen according to their performances in their future tests.
"We got medals last year since two or three players are allowed for each event, which gives us more opportunities. One player for each event adds more challenges and uncertainties to this regatta.
"Whether we can get medals this year depends on our efforts and I wish we could."
But coach of the Chinese Yngling team Wang Yong admitted his charges were still a little green.
"Our athletes still lack experience in big events," he said.
"We should learn skills and tactics from stronger teams and athletes."
China won a gold, two silvers and two bronzes at the 2006 event, among which Yngling athletes Song Xiaqun, Li Xiaoni and Zhang Chuanshuang snatched a bronze medal despite having just a year's experience.
(China Daily August 13, 2007)
